Vanguard: Sex, Lies & Cigarettes - Mon 4th July, 10pm on Current TV

Summary

In the spring of 2010, a viral video of an Indonesian baby smoking sparked global outrage, highlighting the severe tobacco addiction issues in Indonesia. The video exposed the alarming rise of cigarette use among children and the aggressive tactics of Big Tobacco targeting developing countries. Despite the decline in smoking in the West, tobacco companies are thriving in Indonesia, where cigarettes are marketed as fun, cool, and sexy. The documentary uncovers the harmful global impact of the tobacco industry's deceptive marketing and the growing health crisis in these regions.

Takeaways

• 😀 A viral video of a smoking baby in 2010 sparked international attention and became a symbol of the tobacco crisis.
• 😀 Indonesia, a major hub for the tobacco industry, has a deep-rooted cigarette culture, where health concerns are often overlooked.
• 😀 Despite declining smoking rates in the West, the tobacco industry is aggressively targeting emerging markets in poorer countries.
• 😀 The global health impact of smoking continues to be a major issue, with predictions that it will kill a billion people this century.
• 😀 Tobacco companies use deceptive marketing strategies to expand their customer base, even in countries with high health risks.
• 😀 Big Tobacco denies the harmful effects of smoking and claims they don't target children in their marketing efforts.
• 😀 Undercover investigations reveal the hidden practices and attitudes of the tobacco industry behind closed doors.
• 😀 In some countries, cigarette consumption is promoted as a symbol of fun, sexiness, and coolness, contributing to its widespread use.
• 😀 Activists in these countries are working hard to fight for change and raise awareness about the dangers of smoking.
• 😀 The global tobacco crisis is growing, with an increasing number of young people being exposed to smoking due to aggressive marketing strategies.
• 😀 The story of the smoking baby symbolizes a much larger, ongoing public health issue that affects millions around the world.

Q & A

What was the viral video of the smoking baby about?

The viral video, which appeared in the spring of 2010, featured a baby smoking a cigarette, capturing global attention and becoming an international sensation.

Why did the smoking baby video become significant?

The video became significant because it drew attention to the alarming issue of cigarette addiction in children, particularly in Indonesia, where smoking rates are high.

What is the connection between smoking and public health in Indonesia?

Indonesia is a key market for the tobacco industry, where smoking is culturally pervasive, and tobacco companies actively promote smoking, including targeting children, contributing to a public health crisis.

What role does Indonesia play in the global tobacco industry?

Indonesia is considered a 'heaven' for the tobacco industry due to its large consumer base and minimal regulation, making it a vital market for tobacco companies seeking new consumers.

What is the projected impact of smoking on global health in the 21st century?

Smoking is expected to kill a billion people worldwide in this century, according to the script, highlighting the ongoing health crisis caused by tobacco use.

What is the significance of the decline of smoking in the West?

As smoking declines in Western countries, tobacco companies are turning their focus to emerging markets, particularly in poorer countries, to maintain their sales and profits.

How does Big Tobacco continue to market its products despite evidence of harm?

Big Tobacco uses deceptive marketing practices, often targeting children, to promote their products in developing countries. They also go to great lengths to disguise the harmful effects of smoking.

What is the stance of tobacco companies regarding their products and health risks?

Tobacco companies claim that smoking does not cause disease and that they do not market their products to children, despite evidence to the contrary.

What are the challenges faced by activists in Indonesia's tobacco culture?

Activists in Indonesia face an uphill battle against powerful tobacco companies and a culture where smoking is perceived as cool, fun, and sexy, making it difficult to change public attitudes.

What does the script mean by 'the world's most famous smoker'?

The script refers to the global health crisis caused by widespread smoking, particularly among children, as part of the search for the 'world's most famous smoker'—a metaphor for the growing tobacco epidemic.